The National President of Nigeria Polytechnics Senior Staff Games Association (NIPOSSGA), Mr Fredrick Yamala, says developing sports at the grassroots level is crucial to the sector’s growth.
Yamala made the call on Saturday in Ibadan during the opening ceremony of the 21st National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)/NIPOSSGA Games.
The Games is holding from Sept. 15 to Sept. 24 at the Sports Complex of the North Campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Yamala noted that grassroots sports have suffered neglect and poor funding over a long period of time which led to slow pace of sports development in the country.
“There are no two ways to the development of sports in Nigeria, other than to go back to the grassroots.
“During our secondary school days, we had the Principals Cup, different secondary schools competitions and from there we discovered talents.
“Also, sports facilities at the grassroots must be given proper attention to encourage upcoming sports talents.
“We must also ensure the appointment of right sports administrators in all sports federations and associations, not the other way round,” he said.
The NIPOSSGA called for maximum support of the private sector to the sports activities, noting that government alone could not achieve more.
“The private sector still needs to do more in the area of talent scouting, athletes and competition sponsorship,” he said.
Speaking on the NIPOSSGA games, Yamala said its essence was to bring together all the senior staff of Nigerian polytechnics and NBTE to interact, relax and exchange ideas.
He noted that both academic staff and non-academic senior staff of all Nigerian polytechnics, colleges of technology and NBTE from about 30 institutions are participating in the Games.
In his welcome address, the Rector, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi, urged the participants not to see that competition as fight or war that must be won at all costs.
He noted that the NBTE/NIPOSSGA Games had over the years provided an avenue where staff from various institutions gathered to fraternise.
”It also helped them to show their prowess in various sports activities to reduce the stress of load associated with the job,” he said.
Earlier, while declaring the Games open, Gov. Oluwaseyi Makinde of Oyo State had charged the participants to see it beyond being an ordinary competition.
”It is an avenue to share ideas which would lead to growth and development of the nation.
The governor, who was represented by the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abdulwaheed Soliu, assured the participants of maximum and good hospitality during and after the competition.
The Federal Polytechnic Offa who were the defending champions and winner of last two editions of the competition defeated the hosts 2-0 in the opening match.
